I recently found a fortune cookie stuck in the middle of an MCAT book. For those of you unfamiliar with the term, the MCAT exam is basically a medical school entrance exam in the United States that everyone has to take and do well in to enter medical school. For various reasons, I have decided to retake the exam and have been studying this summer while also in an internship in a foreign country. I wish I could say it were easy breezy, but the study process can be a serious emotional roller coaster sometimes. Sometimes, I feel on top of the world- motivated, optimistic, focused. And other days, I have this serious knot in my chest, and feel like I’m never doing enough.

But I’m continuing to live a relatively balanced life, still seeing the joy in the small things. Still laughing like a maniac to my own jokes, and my friends’ antics. It can be easy to lose motivation for future goals that require mental and emotional stamina. There will be days that are harder than others. Days when you doubt yourself.

For anyone out there at a stage in their life where they’re striving, reaching, and working for their dreams. Don’t let anyone convince you that you can’t do it. Especially the own voice in the back of your mind. Greatness is in your hands.

For a little extra food for thought, here’s what the fortune cookie reads:

“When it is dark enough you can see stars”